David K. Nation: Opinion

Tragic. Unexpected. So damn unfair. Makes one count the everyday blessings. All this and more has been said this week after the sudden death of Dave Nation.

Dave lead the Asarco environmental team in Ruston until 2005. He was an eloquent, intelligent force in negotiations and numerous decisions that impacted the town. He was always fair and able to see other sides even in the middle of a dispute. He often said one of the big reasons he chose the job here was the chance to leave a positive legacy by turning a barren wasteland into a clean, productive site. That dream stalled with Asarco's bankruptcy and has yet to be realized.

I had the greatest respect for Dave. He was able to show restraint when all I wanted to do was fight. He knew more about more subjects than anyone I've ever met. He was ethical, strong, witty and dedicated to those he loved. He was a compassionate, smart leader that many flocked to. When he left Asarco, several co-workers followed him to his new business with Godwin Pumps.

We have lost much of our collective memory these in the last few years with so many new faces in town. Change is good and inevitable, but I want everyone to know we were lucky here in Ruston to have had Dave's expertise and leadership during some very challenging years. He may not have always been the public face at meetings, but he was the one behind the scenes making sure things got done and done right. I always envisioned Dave cutting the ribbon at the opening ceremony for the first building on the redeveloped smelter property - because progress towards that goal was his doing as much as anyones.

Dave recently celebrated his 54th birthday. He leaves his wife of 25 years, Grace and 4 children. He was an avid sailor who loved to relax in his boat on Puget Sound. When we see the sails on the waters off the former Asarco shore, I hope it reminds us to thank a man who laid a solid foundation for a positive future on that barren land at the bottom of the hill. A man who left this earth much too soon. Smooth sailing, Dave... You will be missed...